Source : Perth Now news
Cockburn’s passionate turtle protectors are gearing up for the incoming nesting season, and will be volunteering at 10 major lakes to track the near-threatened reptile population.
Tracking season begins on September 1, with a series of turtle information pop ups and special training sessions. So far, more than 120 people have attended the pop ups and about 80 have registered for the training, which will be held on August 9, 12 and 16.
Volunteers will this year expand their tracking reach to cover Bibra Lake, Boodjar Mooliny, Eco Lake, Harmony Lake, Jubilee Park, Little Rush lake, Manning Lake, Market Garden Swamp, Tapper Lake and Yangebup Lake.
The Wetlands Conservation Society and Walliabup Wildlife Warriors will also run their first collaborative trial coordinating volunteer teams across the city.
“We began tracking our nesting turtles eight years ago and in that time our volunteers have protected 835 nests, which is a valiant effort,” she said.
“Beginning at Bibra Lake, we gradually expanded to Manning Park, and then Cockburn’s other lakes where nesting females routinely leave the water in search of the right soil to lay their eggs each September to January.
“It’s been gratifying to witness the community come on board with us over the years with interest growing as we all band together to try to ensure our turtles can access safe habitats to help support this vulnerable population.”
Volunteers watch over the nesting turtles while they are vulnerable, and aim to allow them to continue their natural behaviour without facing the dangers posed by roads, pets, feral predators and climate change. Physically touching the turtles is a last resort safety option.
Last year a record 2815 volunteer tracking hours were achieved, the highest of any community or local government tracking team working within the Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtle program in WA.
The team of 96 volunteers protected 358 nests, and the program is expected to continue growing.
“This season we are looking forward to partnering with resident, friend and community groups to strengthen and expand local turtle tracking teams and will continue to work with WA Wildlife and The Wetlands Centre Cockburn to offer conservation and education programs,” Ms Hartill said.
